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Local Nationwide customers hit by hacking incident

SANTA FE — A criminal computer hacking incident has compromised the personal accounts of more than 8,000 Nationwide Insurance customers across New Mexico, according to the state Insurance Division.

A letter sent to state Superintendent of Insurance John G. Franchini from Nationwide officials says the company's initial investigation into the crime has turned up stolen Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers and dates of birth, although there is no evidence of any misuse so far.

The company is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft services through Equifax as a precaution. Concerned customers should contact Nationwide for details.

Franchini said his staff is also on alert and available to answer questions from consumers who may have been affected by the breach.

"In this case, Nationwide was itself a victim, but they didn't shirk from their responsibilities and they are doing what they can to protect their policyholders," Franchini said

The Insurance Division's Investigations Bureau can be reached at (505) 827-4439.